1899 Morgan Silver Dollars

The 1899 Morgan Silver Dollar is the first coin of its type struck after the U.S. Congress approved a bill requiring all remaining silver bullion purchased under the Sherman Silver Purchase Act to be made into silver dollars. Named after George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint, this coin is available in large quantities in an uncirculated state.

Total coins minted in 1899 without a mint designation numbered 330,000, with 846 of those being proofs. Sub-varieties numbered 12,290,000 for 1899-0 coins, while the 1899-S strike totaled 2,562,000. Metal content of this coin is 90% silver and 10% copper. It weighs 26.73 grams, measures 38.1 millimeters in diameter and has a reeded edge.

Value of the 1899 Morgan Dollar is based primarily on its silver content. In late 2010, prices ranged from $17 for very worn 1899-O and 1899-S varieties, to as high as $1,900 for uncirculated 1899-S coins. Coins struck as 1899-O have the least value, commanding only $166 at most for uncirculated specimens.